Wheelchair Dreamz CEO, Abayomi Soetan, Empowers Women with Disabilities and Students Through Garri Production Training to Tackle Food Insecurity in Ogun State

Abeokuta, Nigeria –
The slogan “My disability is not inability” echoed powerfully through the halls of African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, from May 24th to 30th, as Mr. Abayomi Soetan, CEO of Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise and alumnus of the school, launched a groundbreaking three-day empowerment programme targeting women with physical disabilities and vocational students.

The training, organized in partnership with the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), focused on garri production, with hands-on sessions in cassava processing, packaging, branding, and marketing. The initiative aimed to equip marginalized groups with practical agribusiness skills in response to Nigeria’s growing food insecurity crisis.

Speaking to participants, Mr. Soetan emphasized the urgency of the programme:

“This initiative is centered on food production because of the worsening state of food insecurity in Nigeria and globally. Many able-bodied individuals are abandoning farming, and the older generation is gradually fading away, especially in rural areas. If we fold our hands, persons with disabilities will be the most affected,” he warned.

In a technical session, Mrs. Sodipo, Subject Matter Specialist at OGADEP, praised Soetan’s inclusive vision:

“His efforts will go a long way in liberating many women with disabilities from poverty and empowering students to see agriculture as a viable future,” she stated.

Mrs. Aderinola, an Agricultural Extension Agent with OGADEP, led a session on branding and marketing strategies:

“You must be intentional about packaging and branding. It’s not just about the product—it’s about how you present it to the world,” she advised.

In a show of alumni solidarity, Sir Nicholas Olarewaju, representing the National Body of the Old Students Association, congratulated participants and encouraged resilience:

“You are not here by accident. Like Mr. Soetan, you have a purpose. Aspire boldly and never look down on yourself,” he urged.

One of the participating students, Onaoluwa Olaleye, expressed her excitement:

“Before now, I thought agriculture was just farming. This training opened my eyes to opportunities I never imagined,” she said.

Mrs. Yinka Ileyemi, Chairperson of the Egba Zone of the National Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), called on the government for sustained support:

“We need resources to scale this empowerment. Persons with disabilities are ready to contribute to national growth,” she appealed.

Mrs. Olujobi, Head of the Vocational Department at Afrograms, commended Mr. Soetan and the Old Students Association for their unwavering commitment:

“Your love and dedication are transforming lives and restoring hope,” she said.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Soetan expressed deep appreciation to all partners and supporters, including Barr. Bola Shittu, National President of the Old Students Association, the school management, OGADEP, and Afronews.

All participants were awarded certificates of commendation at the end of the programme.

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About Mr. Abayomi Soetan:

Mr. Abayomi Soetan is a recipient of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant and the International Breweries Foundation Kickstart Programme. He holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and previously served as the Youth Leader of the Joint National Association for Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ogun State Chapter.